News

Bosman the 'full package'

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:25

Sharks coach John Plumtree has hailed the versatile skills of Meyer Bosman as crucial to his side's Currie Cup success so far this season.

The tough inside back has been a key figure in the table-topping Durban side's fortunes so far and Plumtree said that his leadership and direction have been invaluable to the team.

"He's going really well and enjoying the leadership responsibility, he's making the plays.

"He has been accurate defensively, his awareness of space has been good, that long pass he threw to Odwa Ndungane was crucial and his kicking game is outstanding too. He has the full package of skills," he said.

Plumtree knows that Bosman and his teammates will have to be at their best when they travel to Kimberley to face Griquas on Saturday, even though the home side are currently in last place.

The Sharks coach said that he had been very impressed with the way they had taken the defending champion Lions apart last week, and added that despite their log position he has plenty of respect for Pote Human's charges.

"The way they dismantled the Lions was very impressive, they scored a try at the end through 13 phases starting in their own 22 which was top drawer stuff.

"Every contest Griquas have been in, they’ve been right in it and leading and either just lost, or as we saw on the weekend, won. We have a lot of respect for them and we've done a lot of homework on them," he said.

Plumtree said the key for his team will be to shut down star performers such as silky fullback Willie le roux who has been in great form in recent weeks.

"There are some key performers running the ship and we need to look after them because they are playing really well.

"One of them is Willie le Roux, he is a massive threat. I like the way they use him on attack, he could develop into one of the best attacking backs in South Africa; he's quick, has a great step and a beautiful pass. He's going to get better and better, he has a big future,l" he said.

However, Le Roux is not the only threat in the setlled Griquas side and Plumtree warned that the desperation to avoid relegation is likely to make the home side even more dnagerous on Saturday.

"They have a lot of mongrel in the forward pack, some attacking backs and a 10 who kicks penalties and doesn't mind carrying the ball to the line; they’re a complete side and very competitive.

"They also don't want to get relegated or go into a play-off situation, so they are working really hard, making all six Currie Cup sides perform; no-one wants to be in a promotion-relegation match at the end of the season," he said.

In terms of lengthy injuries, The Sharks are hoping to have JP Pietersen, Tim Whitehead and Pieter-Steph du Toit all back in the next month or so.

"Hopefully there will be some good news for us quite soon, it would be great to have some of those players back for us," Plumtree added.